Beth Heiden was born on September 27, 1959 in Madison Wisconsin, Beth grew up in Shorewood Hills near the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Beth Heiden came from an athletic family, in which the more well known Eric Heiden is known for his speed skating. Beth Heiden played tennis and soccer as well, before taking up speed skating, cross country skiing and cycling. She is known as one of the most prolific women athletes in U.S. history.

Beth won 4 world championships events in 1979, most notably the 500 and 3000 meters events. Like many cyclists, Beth took up cycling in the off season after some previous ankle injuries as perhaps a way to not only stay fit, but recover in a sport that has become a haven for runners and the like who find even though they can't run or skate, they can cycle, and use it as a form of cross training and recovery.

Beth won the world road cycling championships in Sallanches France in 1980 and also the bronze medal in the 3,000 meter speed skating race at the Winter Olympic Games. She won the nationals that year as well and the Coors Classic and was named USOC Sportswoman of the Year by the U.S. Olympic committee.

Beth Heiden set a women's record in the Mount Washington Hill Climb in 1981, one of the most grueling climbing contests in the nation, probably only second to the famous Mt. Evans memorial hill climb. Beth rode up the eight mile course in 1 hour 16 minutes and 30 seconds.

Beth was the NCAA Women's National Champion in cross country skiing in 1983, and was inducted into the UVM Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003, as well as the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. Add to that, the Bicycling Hall of Fame and she was qualified as an All American.

Beth graduated from the University of Vermont in 1983 and earned a master's degree in civil engineering. Beth lives in Palo Alto California and is married with three children. At the age of 46, Beth was still competiting in cross country ski events. For the brief time Beth was in the spotlight, she shined brillantly in so many different sports. Truly one of the greatest America sports women ever in history.

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Palmares 1st - 3rd Country: USA Beth Heiden 1977 July 26-August 6, 1977 - National Road Championships, USA - 1st place (Juniors), Seattle Washington. 1978 July 8-15, 1978 - Red Zinger, stage race in USA - 2nd place on the final GC. 1979 July 21-29, 1979 - Red Zinger, stage race in USA - 3rd place on the final GC. August 1-2, 1979 - National Time Trial Championships, USA - 1st place, Wautoma Wisconsin. August 1-5, 1979 - National Road Championships, USA - 2nd place, Milwaukee Wisconsin. 1980 July 26-August 3, 1980 - Colorado Classic, stage race in USA - 1st place on the final GC. August 10-14, 1980 - National Time Trial Championships, USA - 1st place, Bisbee Arizona. August 13-17, 1980 - National Road Championships, USA - 1st place, Bisbee Arizona. 1980 - Coors Classic, USA - 1st place. August 30, 1980 - World Road Championships, France - 1st place in the road race, Sallanches. 1980 - Fitchburg Longsjo Classic Stage Race, USA - 1st place. 1981 1981 - Mt. Washington Hillclimb, USA - 1st place.